The Bottom Line: NewSpring Invests in Central Bark
December 14, 2021
NewSpring (the “Firm”), a family of private equity strategies, today announced that NewSpring Franchise, the Firm’s newest strategy focused on investing in innovative franchise and multi-unit concepts, has invested in Central Bark.
Central Bark is a dog day care industry pioneer
The Central Bark franchise system was founded in 2003 and for nearly 20 years, the brand has drawn in dogs and their owners across the U.S. to experience its Enrichment Doggy Day Care, which combines Central Bark’s industry-leading doggy day care expertise with the latest in canine behavioral science. Central Bark also offers dog boarding, baths, grooming, a retail market, training, and more to local dog owners.
The company has rapidly expanded its number of franchise locations in new geographies
Since beginning to franchise, Central Bark has grown to more than 35 units across more than a dozen states. The company has built its reputation on providing a healthy and balanced blend of exercise, social group play, learning, rest, and “TLC” to help dogs be healthy, happy, calm, and well-rounded members of the family.
Central Bark will use the proceeds of this transaction to power its growth strategy
By partnering with NewSpring, Central Bark has positioned itself to accelerate growth, increase brand awareness, and strengthen its mission to provide an environment where all people and dogs feel safe, valued, respected, and loved. The partnership will also provide Central Bark with increased access to capital and additional resources needed to bolster its infrastructure while maximizing the profitability and success of its franchise network.
“Central Bark is beyond excited to partner with NewSpring. They’re dog people like us, through and through, and their wealth of knowledge and experience across the broad spectrum of franchising is what’s going to help elevate Central Bark to the next level. The past 18 years in franchising have been an amazing ride and we would not change a thing. We’re here and thriving because of our amazing, passionate, and dedicated team of franchisees and corporate staff, and I can’t wait to see us build upon that incredible foundation.”
Central Bark is led by an innovative management team focused on growth
Central Bark founders Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of the brand while working with NewSpring to help fuel company growth and profitability. Together, they will continue to provide best-in-class franchisee support while making strategic investments in technology and operational efficiencies to maximize the network’s success.
“At NewSpring, we look to partner with brands that have redefined a business model, have a well-established customer base, and are poised for smart growth. Central Bark checks all those boxes, and then some. Central Bark differentiates itself from other dog day care concepts because of their steadfast commitment to whole dog care and canine behavioral science. They’ve done a tremendous job of expanding strategically into priority growth markets and are well-positioned to develop even faster across both existing and new territories. We’re thrilled to partner with Jackie, Chris, and the entire Central Bark team to help the brand reach that next level.”
As part of the transaction, NewSpring General Partners Satya Ponnuru and Patrick Sugrue will join the Central Bark Board of Directors.